Nicaraguan president who jailed bishop is 'unbalanced,' Pope says

March 11, 2023 at 6:59 p.m.
Nicaraguan president who jailed bishop is 'unbalanced,' Pope says
Nicaraguan president who jailed bishop is 'unbalanced,' Pope says

By Justin McLellan • Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY – Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who has strongly persecuted the Church in the country and jailed a prominent bishop, is "unbalanced," Pope Francis said.

In a wide-ranging interview with Argentinean media outlet Infobae, the Pope compared the current Nicaraguan government to the "communist dictatorship of 1917," referring to the Russian revolution, and Hitler's dictatorship in Germany before World War II, calling them "obscene" in Argentinean slang.

In the interview published March 10, Pope Francis spoke about Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison Feb. 10 after refusing to be sent to the United States with 222 political prisoners deported by the Nicaraguan government. Bishop Álvarez and the Church throughout Nicaragua have been targeted for allegedly supporting opposition to President Ortega and his government.

With the sentencing of the bishop, "I have no choice but to think that the person in charge is unbalanced," the Pope said.

Still speaking of Latin America, the Pope said that he wants to go to Argentina, but that the right moment has not presented itself.
[[In-content Ad]]

And he said he believes regime change is possible in Venezuela, since "historical circumstances will make them change the way of dialogue they have." The U.N. refugee agency estimates there are more than 7 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants worldwide due to high inflation and political persecution.

Pope Francis also discussed resistance in the Roman Curia, saying that he appreciates direct and productive criticisms but that resistance "on the verge of schism" is "ugly." He cited "a well-known American bishop, who was nuncio" as an example of "poorly managed resistance."

"We do not know if this man is Catholic or not, he is on the edge," said the Pope.

Despite a promise he made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1990 to not watch television, Pope Francis said he was kept up to date on the 2022 World Cup final, in which his native Argentina beat France in penalty shootouts.

"I was in a meeting here with six Alitalia pilots and their wives. At one point I went to go find something, and when I came back one told me 'they are winning'" along with the score.

Argentina was winning the match 2-0 with just over 10 minutes left before conceding two late goals to go into overtime.

"We Argentinians have this: We start things with enthusiasm, and we have a culture – I don't know, at least I have it – of leaving things halfway," said Pope Francis. "Be it in the positive or negative."


Related Stories

VATICAN CITY – Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, who has strongly persecuted the Church in the country and jailed a prominent bishop, is "unbalanced," Pope Francis said.

In a wide-ranging interview with Argentinean media outlet Infobae, the Pope compared the current Nicaraguan government to the "communist dictatorship of 1917," referring to the Russian revolution, and Hitler's dictatorship in Germany before World War II, calling them "obscene" in Argentinean slang.

In the interview published March 10, Pope Francis spoke about Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa, who was sentenced to 26 years in prison Feb. 10 after refusing to be sent to the United States with 222 political prisoners deported by the Nicaraguan government. Bishop Álvarez and the Church throughout Nicaragua have been targeted for allegedly supporting opposition to President Ortega and his government.

With the sentencing of the bishop, "I have no choice but to think that the person in charge is unbalanced," the Pope said.

Still speaking of Latin America, the Pope said that he wants to go to Argentina, but that the right moment has not presented itself.
[[In-content Ad]]

And he said he believes regime change is possible in Venezuela, since "historical circumstances will make them change the way of dialogue they have." The U.N. refugee agency estimates there are more than 7 million Venezuelan refugees and migrants worldwide due to high inflation and political persecution.

Pope Francis also discussed resistance in the Roman Curia, saying that he appreciates direct and productive criticisms but that resistance "on the verge of schism" is "ugly." He cited "a well-known American bishop, who was nuncio" as an example of "poorly managed resistance."

"We do not know if this man is Catholic or not, he is on the edge," said the Pope.

Despite a promise he made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel in 1990 to not watch television, Pope Francis said he was kept up to date on the 2022 World Cup final, in which his native Argentina beat France in penalty shootouts.

"I was in a meeting here with six Alitalia pilots and their wives. At one point I went to go find something, and when I came back one told me 'they are winning'" along with the score.

Argentina was winning the match 2-0 with just over 10 minutes left before conceding two late goals to go into overtime.

"We Argentinians have this: We start things with enthusiasm, and we have a culture – I don't know, at least I have it – of leaving things halfway," said Pope Francis. "Be it in the positive or negative."

Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Why 'Conclave' is captivating audiences as the season's big Indie hit
Secrecy and gossip. Intrigue and politicking.

Faith at Home: Thanksgiving – a day of gratitude for our faith, one another
On Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, we will celebrate ...

Bishop Zaidan: Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire sparks 'profound hope,' inspiration for lasting peace
A ceasefire brokered by the U.S. and France between Israel and the Lebanese-based militant group Hezbollah....

La acción de agradecer lleva la gratitud un paso más allá
San Vicente de Paúl (1581-1660), fundador de la congregación religiosa...

'Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints,' streaming, Fox Nation
A celebrated filmmaker takes a fresh look at lives of sanctity...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.